Willy the Wacky Duck Connects With Autism
An Inspiring True Story
by Kristine Rocha
“The best reward that I can ever receive as a writer, is finding out that something I wrote
was effective in connecting with the reader and caused an emotion”
Although my illustrator Bill Bernoir and I live on opposite coasts, we always make a point to stay in touch with each other on both a business and personal level. Bill and I share many of the same manners and morals which is why we have been and continue to be a perfect collaboration. During one of our phone conversations Bill told me a about a woman named Rose from his church who approached him with a story that derived from her purchase of Willy the Wacky Duck.
As Bill told me the story I sensed that even being 2500 miles apart that we were having the same emotional response. Bill and I always admire each other’s devotion to making a positive difference to others and we felt that this story was a gift to both us for our constant efforts. I was so moved that I asked Bill to forward my contact information to Rose. With all of the busyness of life it wasn’t until one month later that I received an email from Bill with the contact information for Rose’s daughter Melissa, who is actually the one who had experienced the story.
I was extremely eager to hear Melissa’s story personally and called her that day. When she answered the phone, I introduced myself as the Author of Willy the Wacky Duck and let her know that I had heard of her remarkable story and asked if she would be willing to share it with me. Melissa was very kind and touched by the fact that I cared as much as I did to reach out to her and I was equally grateful. So, simple yet powerful, here it is.
Melissa, from Pennsylvania had received, a copy of my children’s book Willy the Wacky Duck from her relative Rose who lives Florida. Although, Rose purchased the book as a gift for Melissa’s daughter, one day the book happened to catch the attention of Melissa’s fifteen-year-old son. His curiosity peeked and he decided to read it. Upon finishing the book, he looked deep at his mother and confidently stated “So it’s okay that I am different.” Melissa told me that her eyes immediately welled up with tears as she watched her son’s face light up with a sense of confidence and reassurance, but most importantly acceptance.
You see, Melissa’s son has Autism and he had never been able to express his awareness of being different. There had always been an unspoken awkwardness, as it was difficult for him to articulate his words and convey his feelings to his mother. Melissa became emotional as she relived the moment explaining to me how important and meaningful it was to them both. Reading the book allowed him to feel more secure with his identity as well as gain an appreciation for his uniqueness. This is one of the great aspects of the book as the loveable character Willy connects with the reader and delivers a valuable lesson and message.
We talked about how amazing it was that through a creative and entertaining approach, that it became possible for her son to gain a better understanding of himself and used what he had learned to communicate that with her, instantly creating a closer bond between them. My heart swelled and from one mother to another I truly felt her joy and relief.
Willy the Wacky Duck had succeeded in ways that I dreamed it would and I knew that I must share this story to inspire others. I humbly requested permission to do so, and was delighted and thankful that she obliged. Since my phone call with Melissa I have taken further steps in educating myself with Autism as I diligently work to find ways to use my book as a helpful resource. I have a great respect for all parents who face the many daily challenges that come with having an Autistic child and hope that they too can experience positive break throughs like this great one.
To learn more about Autism please visit: